The BIG LIST!

A list of bands and drum corps in Britain.

There are hundreds of youth marching bands throughout the UK. The bands listed here are those who supplied contact details during mid 2008. They include the top competitive bands in the UK, a number of which have won national and international honours.

The list will be continually developed and updated.

If your band/corps isn't on the list - see 'How to add your band/corps' below.

(Note to bands - details will only be changed if we are provided with formal notification from a band official).

If you are searching for a band to perform at your local event, please note the following:-
• All bands are totally voluntary, please factor the constraints of work on leaders/older members and of school/college/family commitments on younger members.
• Bands depend on engagements and fund raising to survive. Transport is a major cost in any band’s budget.
• It is suggested that the agreed fee be termed a donation within the accounting budget of any event, raising the level of support seen to be provided to valid causes.
• Any agreement to perform is made is directly between the band and the event organiser. This list is provided for information only and neither the Federation or its member organisations can become involved in contractual issues.
• Most bands can perform parades, arena shows and fanfares. Some can also perform concerts, small ensembles etc. However, it is very important that event organisers clearly detail what is expected of a band and advise of such things as the length of parade and/or size and surface of the arena/stage, before formalising any booking.
• Many bands can provide examples of their performances via their web sites. Event organisers should use this resource to clarify expectations.
• Some bands are more suited to formal occasions than others.
• It is often the case that bands are unable to confirm bookings until the start of each new year.
• If you are searching for a band not listed, please contact one of our member organisation representatives. Member Organisations can be found here >>

The bands listed have been broadly identified under the following categories. The descriptions are very generalised.

Tr – Traditional bands that perform with a range of instruments in a style similar to UK military bands.

SB – Show Bands that perform with a range of instruments in a style similar to American College Bands, accompanied by a Colour Guard (dance group with flags and similar interpretative equipment).

DC – Drum Corps that perform with forward facing valved brass instruments and percussion in a style similar to American Drum and Bugle Corps, accompanied by a Colour Guard (dance group with flags and similar interpretative equipment).

C – Carnival Bands that usually perform in costume using a variety of instrumentation.

Gd – Independent Colour Guards who perform to recorded music using a variety of equipment, including colourful flags.

IP – Indoor percussion ensembles that perform using field and orchestral percussion.

To add your band or corps to the Big List please

Fill in the Form Here >>